Agriculture is not just about farming but it is a diverse area of study.
These are the words of Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) graduate Nalisha Lal.
The 22-year-old is encouraging prospective students, especially young girls to consider taking up this subject.
“When it comes to choosing a career, many young people in the developing world tend to shy away from agriculture,” said Miss Lal.
“I would recommend more students, especially girls to take up this program as it has a lot of opportunities ahead.”
Growing herbs and vegetables has always been Lal’s passion and it did not come as a surprise that she chose to join FNU to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.
Lal completed the three-year program earlier this year after serving her industrial attachment with friends Janesh Kumar and Nivedita Devi at Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF).
Unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lal has not had any luck with securing employment, however, she is keeping busy by developing a backyard garden.
Miss Lal said she’s a proud FNU graduate adding the six-month industrial attachment component is an excellent way of broadening student’s experiences and preparing them to join the workforce.
“We learn a lot when we serve industrial attachments. It provided me with the opportunity to observe and learn how BAF officers execute their roles on the field, the seriousness of the nature of work undertaken and its importance to Fiji and its biodiversity.
“For me, attending different lectures about soil, crops, fertilizers, pathogens and going back to the field to apply the knowledge practically has enabled me to understand that success in agriculture is all about adaptability, having interpersonal skills and time management.
“Educational tours to some of the agricultural industries across Fiji has been one of the best parts of my student-life and on the other side staying away from family was the most difficult bit.
“However, every step challenged has encouraged me to become stronger and wiser.”
